Eric D. Kline

Partner

412.454.5046

More ways to contact Eric D. Kline

Eric brings decades of experience advising growth companies through exit. He applies practical, business focused problem solving to clients' legal and commercial issues.

Sponsored Events

3 Rivers Venture Fair 2026
Overview
Representative Matters
Insights
Awards

Eric advises growth companies on executing their strategies and represents venture capital and private equity investors in portfolio investments. Having represented buyers and sellers, investors and issuers, he understands the multiple perspectives that drive deals.

Eric works with growth companies throughout the business lifecycle and often serves as outside general counsel. CEOs and boards rely on him for guidance on equity compensation, key commercial and licensing agreements, and the structuring of financings, acquisitions, and divestitures.

Eric focuses on efficient, timely, and cost‑effective execution aligned with client goals. As clients scale, Eric advises on risk mitigation and coordinates with colleagues as needed, including cross‑border matters with non‑U.S. counsel.

Before entering private practice in 1993, Eric served at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he rose to special counsel.

  • Represents growth companies across all industries in venture capital and private equity transaction exceeding multiple billions.
  • Represent a private equity backed company through thirty plus acquisitions, prior to and following its IPO.
  • Represent a public company life sciences company through twenty plus public market capital transactions to raise funds for clinical trials.
  • Represents venture capital funds in their portfolio investments, conducting due diligence and documenting transactions.
  • Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” in Banking and Finance Law (2023, 2025), Securities / Capital Markets Law (2021, 2023, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Banking and Finance Law (2010-2026), Corporate Law (2014-2026), Financial Services Regulation Law (2011-2026), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2014-2026), Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015-2026)
  • Named as the Pittsburgh “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law (2018), Corporate Law (2020), Financial Services Regulation Law (2016 and 2014), and Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015) by Best Lawyers in America®
  • Listed in Legal 500 United States
  • Listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business
Overview

Eric advises growth companies on executing their strategies and represents venture capital and private equity investors in portfolio investments. Having represented buyers and sellers, investors and issuers, he understands the multiple perspectives that drive deals.

Eric works with growth companies throughout the business lifecycle and often serves as outside general counsel. CEOs and boards rely on him for guidance on equity compensation, key commercial and licensing agreements, and the structuring of financings, acquisitions, and divestitures.

Eric focuses on efficient, timely, and cost‑effective execution aligned with client goals. As clients scale, Eric advises on risk mitigation and coordinates with colleagues as needed, including cross‑border matters with non‑U.S. counsel.

Before entering private practice in 1993, Eric served at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he rose to special counsel.

Representation Matters
  • Represents growth companies across all industries in venture capital and private equity transaction exceeding multiple billions.
  • Represent a private equity backed company through thirty plus acquisitions, prior to and following its IPO.
  • Represent a public company life sciences company through twenty plus public market capital transactions to raise funds for clinical trials.
  • Represents venture capital funds in their portfolio investments, conducting due diligence and documenting transactions.
Insights

Sponsored Events

3 Rivers Venture Fair 2026

Speaking Engagements

Beyond the ‘Burgh: Insights from Out-of-Town VCs

Sponsored Events

Three Rivers Venture Fair 2024

Sponsored Events

3 Rivers Venture Fair 2023

See all insights from Eric D. Kline

Awards
  • Best Lawyers in America®: “Lawyer of the Year” in Banking and Finance Law (2023, 2025), Securities / Capital Markets Law (2021, 2023, 2025)
  • Best Lawyers in America®: Banking and Finance Law (2010-2026), Corporate Law (2014-2026), Financial Services Regulation Law (2011-2026), Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2014-2026), Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015-2026)
  • Named as the Pittsburgh “Lawyer of the Year” for Banking and Finance Law (2018), Corporate Law (2020), Financial Services Regulation Law (2016 and 2014), and Securities/Capital Markets Law (2015) by Best Lawyers in America®
  • Listed in Legal 500 United States
  • Listed in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business

Top areas of focus

  • Member, Board of Directors, Pittsburgh Venture Capital Association for the last 15 years
  • Chair, various committees, Three Rivers Venture Fair (including chairman of the 2013 Fair)

Education

  • Robinson College University of Cambridge, LL.M., 1993, international law and finance
  • Penn State Dickinson Law, LL.M., with honors, 1989, taxation and commerce
  • Penn State Dickinson Law, J.D., with honors, 1988
  • The Pennsylvania State University, B.S., summa cum laude, 1985, finance

Bar Admissions

  • Pennsylvania